The 61st Labour Day celebrations, held on May 1, 2026, marked a significant historical moment as the national event was hosted outside Nairobi for the first time, taking place at Friends School Chavakali in Vihiga County. President William Ruto led the country in these celebrations, joined by a host of senior government officials and thousands of workers from various sectors across Kenya. The event was characterized by pomp and color, with workers marching in organized groups, adorned in corporate uniforms, carrying placards, and showcasing company products, despite the chilly, drizzling morning weather.

While Labour Day is traditionally observed globally to honor the contributions of working individuals and address issues such as wages, working conditions, and employment concerns, this year's celebrations in Chavakali took a distinct political turn. What was anticipated to be a platform for discussing workers' rights and the official theme, 'Strengthening Local Production and Protecting Workers' Rights' as set by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), instead largely became a rally for political mobilization and endorsements for President William Ruto's re-election bid in the upcoming 2027 General Election.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives Wycliffe Oparanya were prominent among the leaders who used the platform to rally support for the President. Mudavadi expressed certainty in a second term for the Head of State and urged residents to actively engage in voter registration to enhance the region’s political influence. He also called for peaceful and credible future elections, emphasizing the importance of avoiding disputed outcomes that could end up in court.

Cabinet Secretary Oparanya intensified calls for political support, urging the residents of Western Kenya to align with other regions in embracing President Ruto's leadership. He passionately advocated for a 'two-term' mandate for the President, a slogan that was met with cheers and frequently chanted by sections of the crowd. Oparanya defended the government’s economic record, asserting that the economy had stabilized and was growing under President Ruto’s leadership. He pointed to ongoing development projects and infrastructure programs, particularly in Western Kenya, as evidence of progress, arguing that continuity in leadership would ensure sustained growth and more development opportunities for residents.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli welcomed President Ruto to Chavakali and lauded the historic decision to decentralize the Labour Day celebrations. He confirmed that the move followed a formal request by the Vihiga County Government, led by Governor Wilber Ottichilo, which was subsequently approved by President Ruto. Atwoli praised the government for allowing workers from outside the capital to directly participate in the national event, highlighting its significance.

Despite the strong political overtones, workers attending the event had expressed anxieties and expectations regarding their livelihoods. Concerns included poor pay, double taxation, shrinking revenues, the need for salary increments, and issues related to health and safety, as well as the protection of their constitutional rights. However, these traditional labour issues were largely overshadowed by the fervent political messaging and endorsements for the Kenya Kwanza administration's continuity, effectively shifting the event away from its customary focus on workers' welfare.